Danny Care poised for first England appearance in four years after recall

Danny Care will pull on an England jersey for the first time in four years after being named in Eddie Jones’s 36-man squad for the match against the Barbarians on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Harlequins scrum-half played the last of his 84 Tests in November 2018, scoring two tries in a 35-15 win over Japan. But as Jones prepared for his charge to the 2019 World Cup, he deemed Care surplus to requirements, selecting Ben Youngs as his primary No 9 with the inexperienced Willi Heinz, and then Ben Spencer, serving as deputies.

However, after a successful period with his club, which has seen him score 19 tries in two years as well as lift the 2020-21 Premiership title, Care’s efforts have been rewarded. Only Courtney Lawes has more international experience in the squad. And with Youngs busying himself with a Premiership final for Leicester against Saracens the day before, Care is a likely starter against the famous travelling club.

“This is a strong, diverse squad,” Jones said of a group that includes 10 uncapped players with London Irish’s flying winger, Henry Arundell, among them. “There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine. Everyone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.” England head down under next month for a three Test series against the Wallabies. It will be their first tour to Australia in six years. Back in 2016 Jones oversaw a Dylan Hartley-led team claim a 3-0 sweep with Owen Farrell ending the series with 66 points.

Like Youngs, Farrell will not take part in what is effectively a warm-up game after orchestrating a 34-17 semi-final win over Harlequins on Saturday.